Nancy Ellen Durham

Nancy Ellen Chambers Durham
With great sadness, we regret to announce that Nancy Ellen Chambers Durham, age 73, passed away peacefully under hospice care in her home in the early morning hours on August 20, 2025 in Lawrenceville, Georgia, after a long battle with heart disease. Nancy was born January 23, 1952 in Atlanta, Georgia to parents Mitchell and Patricia Chambers. She was the oldest of three children, followed by her brother John and sister Tracy.
Nancy was an amazing mother, aunt, friend, teacher and nurse, who made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to meet her. An avid reader and writer, she was passionate about history, art, and literature, and was rarely seen without a book in her hand. Nancy loved to travel and explored the world at a young age, leaving behind a mountain of photographs and letters documenting her adventures; Brazil and Africa held a special place in her heart.
Nancy grew up in East Point, Georgia and graduated from Headland High School in 1970. She met her former husband Rodney Durham at college in Georgia, later earning her nursing degree from Emory University in 1975. Nancy encouraged Rodney to enroll in medical school and become a trauma surgeon, supporting him throughout his schooling and residency.
She and Rodney were married for 25 years and had two sons, Ben and Alex, who became the center of her life. Although the family moved across the country, they spent the majority of the boys' childhood in St. Louis, Missouri where Nancy loved to volunteer at their elementary schools. She eventually returned to her home state of Georgia and worked as a home care nurse until her retirement in 2012, where she ultimately settled down to live a quieter life with her beloved dog, Ladybug.
Despite the change of pace, Nancy's effect on others and her kindness towards strangers remained. She truly enjoyed nursing and was devoted to her patients and especially treasured her friendships with her neighbors and fellow animal lovers at the dog park. She will be missed by many.
Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, and her son Ben. She is survived by her son Alex (Laura) Durham, her brother John (Gay) Chambers, sister Tracy Goodbar, nephew Ty (Katie) Goodbar, niece Kari Goodbar, nephews Ben Schmotz and Cody (Megan) Schmotz, and niece Madison (Will) Watson. Nancy also leaves behind cherished family who have always been a source of comfort and compassion.
A memorial service in her honor will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Nancy's name to Furkids animal rescue: www.furkids.org/donation
Share memories of Nancy at hamiltonmillchaepl.com
Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel 770-945-6924